Focus on Causal Analysis and Short-Term Forecasting of Local Severe Convective Weather in Shanghai on an Afternoon under the Control of a Subtropical High
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Abstract:
On August 13, 2022, a local severe convection occurred near the coast of Shanghai under the control of Western Pacific subtropical high. This event displayed characteristics of a short life span, strong local manifestation, and high intensity. Using data from minute-level ground automatic weather stations, FY-4A geostationary meteorological satellite visible light cloud images, and dual-polarization radar reflectivity factor, a study was conducted on the short-range forecasting techniques and causes of this local strong convection, employing diagnostic variables such as Q vector, perturbation dew point temperature and perturbation temperature. The findings are as follows:(1) The occurrence of precipitation at the ground level was identified as the sign of local strong convective events. By analyzing radar reflectivity factor, satellite visible light cloud images, and Q vector divergence combined with perturbation dew point temperature and perturbation temperature data from ground automatic weather stations, advanced warnings of the convective event could be issued 23, 70, and 100 minutes in advance, respectively. This integrated monitoring and mutual verification of the atmospheric, satellite, and ground observations not only improved the lead time of early warnings for local severe convection but also reduced missed detections. (2) Under the control of the Western Pacific subtropical high-pressure system, temperatures exceeding 35 ℃, combined with the perturbations in temperature and dew point near the urban area, provided favorable thermodynamic conditions for the initiation of deep convection. Simultaneously, differences in land and water underlying characteristics led to higher temperatures on urban land compared to the adjacent Yangtze River water, generating onshore winds. On one hand, this process experienced abrupt changes in land-water underlying characteristics and complex urban land surfaces, causing convergence of wind direction and speed. On the other hand, the convergence of warm and cold air led to atmospheric instability, providing favorable local dynamic forcing conditions. (3) Further analysis reveals that the appearance of significant Q vector divergence convergence at the surface, persisting until surface precipitation occurs, indicates the generation of vertical upward motion due to the dynamic and thermal forcing at the surface. Furthermore, the interaction between the sea breeze front and the convergence-induced updrafts from the urban heat island results in local severe convection.